The regular monthly meeting of the Village Board of Colfax was called to order on Tuesday evening, January 2, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Lonnie Meiner.

Trustees present were:
Rick Vance - Aye
David Rathke - Aye
Jason Pierce - Aye
Carol Stephenson - Aye
Jason Wagoner - Aye
Vincent Beck - Aye

Also present were Village Treasurer Linda Hanson; Village Attorney Steven Mann; Superintendent Brian Hereford; Police Chief Michael Scott.

The first item on the agenda was for Sealed Bid Openings for the property on Main Street. Village Attorney Steven Mann opened the bid envelopes and stated the Village requires ten percent (10%) down and balance in thirty (30) days. Bid openings were as follows:
1. James Kirkpatrick $1.00 for 35 ft
2. Randy Reynolds $2.00
3. Greg Neuhaus $1.00

Trustee David Rathke made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve as presented. Trustee Carol Stephenson seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Vance – Aye; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Jason Wagoner – Aye; Vincent Beck – Aye; Motion carried.

Village Treasurer Linda Hanson gave the Treasurer’s Report for the month of December, 2017.
Beginning Balance as of 12/01/2017 $233,318.63
Ending Balance as of 12/31/2017 $220,250.36
Decrease for December ($ 13,068.27)

Trustee Rick Vance made a motion to pay the bills as presented. Trustee David Rathke seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Vance – Aye; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Jason Wagoner – Aye; Vincent Beck – Aye; Motion carried.

Trustee Jason Pierce, Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee, had nothing to report at this time.

Trustee Carol Stephenson, Chairman of the Police and Liquor Committee, reported that the Activity Report for the month of December, 2017 is in your folders.

Police Chief Michael Scott reported that the five (5) Ordinance Violations went to court on the 21st. The Village got a Default Judgement for the property at 306 S Grove Street. The total fines are $3,495.00.

Mike reported that he will be applying again this year for the Crime Detection Network grant.

Trustee David Rathke, Chairman of the Water and Sewer Committee, asked Brian if there was anything to report. Superintendent Brian Hereford reported that Assistant Superintendent Josh Hereford passed his Class B water license test. The Village will be sending David Hinrichsen his thirty (30) day notice as required by the contract for termination.

Trustee Rick Vance, Chairman of the Streets and Lights Committee, reported meeting with Ed Duran regarding West Main Street. Ed Duran was present at the meeting and gave the following report on the cost of redoing the street:
Mill and Overlay $58,000
` Decorative Lights $ 8,000 (4 on each side of street)
(Would take down the regular poles that are there now and install lights to match the lights on East Main Street)
Welding Shop/old theatre -
Retaining wall/sidewalk $64,000

Trustee Carol Stephenson asked if the building being for sale and how if someone comes in and demolishes the building would it affect fixing this sidewalk.

Ed reported that the south side of the street would put parking blocks and removing and reshaping the curb area at the grocery store parking lot. Ed reported that parking blocks are less expensive – if a new curb was installed along the south side it would double the cost - $150,000.

There would be a thin overlay on the street – this would need to be redone every ten (10) years.

Trustee Rick Vance reported that he would like to look at a couple other options before deciding exactly what to do on West Main. Will have a Street Committee meeting to discuss this.

Trustee Vincent Beck made a motion to go into closed session to discuss the possible sale of property at 112 – 116 East Main Street; to review sealed bids from bidders and discuss McLean County litigation. Trustee Carol Stephenson seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Vance – Aye; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Jason Wagoner – Aye; Vincent Beck – Aye; Motion carried.

The Village Board went into closed session at 7:25 p.m. on Tuesday evening, January 2, 2018.

Trustee Carol Stephenson made a motion to into open session. Vincent Beck seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Vance – Aye; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Jason Wagoner – Aye; Vincent Beck – Aye; Motion carried.

The Village Board went into open session at 8:15 p.m.

Trustee Vincent Beck made a motion to accept the bid of $1.00 from James Kirkpatrick for thirty-five feet (35’) at 112 East Main Street and the bid of $1.00 from Gregory Neuhaus for sixty-five feet (65’) of 114-116 East Main Street. The Village waves the 10% down payment required. Trustee Jason Wagoner seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Vance – Aye; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Peirce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Jason Wagoner – Aye; Vincent Beck – Aye; Motion carried.

Susan Norton was present to explain to the Board regarding the St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall that is for sale. She explained that the church accepted the Village’s counter offer of $50,000.00. This includes everything that is in the building tables, chairs, dishes, etc.

Mayor Lonnie Meiner explained that really wants to promote this. Lonnie talked to Mike Molck who stated that there are three (3) reservations on the books already. Lonnie did explain that the heating and air conditioning units are the original units that were installed when the building was built.

Trustee Carol Stephenson stated that this would make a great community center and it is completely furnished.

Trustee Rick Vance stated that he cannot see spending money on this when the streets and alleys all need fixed.
Trustee Jason Pierce stated that money part is a definite concern and if don’t get it rented out – it would not be paying for itself. It will take lots of work but will be a benefit to the community. Jason stated that the financing scares him but is a risk the Village needs to take.

Trustee Jason Wagoner asked if anyone on the committee have experience running something like this. Asked if there were any ideas on how to promote and what to do with the empty lots.

Trustee Vincent Beck made a motion to approve the purchase of the St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall for the amount of $50,000.00. Trustee Carol Stephenson seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Vance – No; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Jason Wagoner – Aye; Vincent Beck – Aye; Motion carried.

The Illinois Municipal League is requiring every municipality to pass a Sexual Harassment Policy by January 15th. A copy of the Policy was handed out for approval.

Trustee David Rathe made a motion to approve the Sexual Harassment Policy as drafted. Trustee Carol Stephenson seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Vance – Aye; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Jason Wagoner – Aye; Vincent Beck – Aye; Motion carried.

The last item was for public comments. Colfax Restoration representation Michael Rigsby was present and explained what the next project would be. There will be a spring cleanup day on April 1st.

Trustee Rick Vance made a motion to adjourn. Trustee Jason Pierce seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Vance – Aye; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Jason Wagoner – Aye; Vincent Beck – Aye; Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted
Nancy Kiper
Village Clerk